In this authoritative volume, Janet Enever explores the complex forces that shape national and local language education policy-making for the early introduction of English as a foreign language at primary and pre-primary levels worldwide. This is the first book of its kind demonstrating the extent to which English is now perceived as a pre-requisite for participation in the global economy, reflecting the rapid development of early start English now exploding across Asia, Latin America, and other fast-growing economies.

"This is a timely and important book. Professor Enever demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of primary English policy and practice in a range of countries and, from a sound theoretical framework, draws together evidence to show how policies are all too often guided by short-term political considerations rather than sound educational practice. Whilst critiquing inappropriate practice, she also analyses the conditions which have the potential to lead to quality - and equitable - English language programmes at the primary level." - David Hayes, Department of Applied Linguistics, Brock University,